With registration for spring classes underway, a new resource has been unveiled to allow students to see sample course syllabi on OAK in order to make the course selection process easier.

"Getting course syllabi up in time for registration was a big priority for us," said Vanderbilt Student Government President Joseph Williams. "It's exciting to be able to put this service up as a functioning way to look at sample course syllabi."

VSG has worked closely with Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Richard McCarty, Dean of Admissions Douglas Christiansen, OAK Manager Cindy Franco and VSG Attorney General Jared Anderson to create this resource.

"It allows students to review sample course syllabi before register," Franco said. "Students can take a look at courses and see what the workload is day to day and put together a schedule that will work for them."

According to Franco, online course syllabi were made available without using new technology; only existing Blackboard technology was used.

In addition, Franco considered feedback from many students and faculty members in deciding which would be the best and easiest way for access to online course syllabi.

However, because posting syllabi online is not mandatory, there is difficulty in getting faculty to participate.

"We're trying to encourage faculty to buy into this program. We're also encouraging students to request professors to post syllabi," Williams said.

Franco said, as of now, there are about 170 syllabi posted and more are continually being posted.

"We did this for all undergraduate schools, so students should take advantage of it," Franco said.